When Downtown STL, Inc. CEO Missy Kelley and team were planning their 2019 annual event, they wanted to turn it up a notch.
In years past, Downtown STL’s annual events were an opportunity to share information regarding the state of Downtown with Downtown stakeholders. But given all of the amazing growth and development happening, Downtown STL, Inc. felt that it was important to share the excitement with the community. So, in 2019 Downtown STL, Inc. decided to give the annual event a 180-degree transformation. Between the new business surge, historic developments, and memorable moments over the past year, our one-of-a-kind city needed a one-of-a-kind celebration that could bring the community together in celebration of the remarkable growth in the heart of our region.
That’s when the idea for Show-Me Downtown was born. But really, this is more than an event—it’s a celebration. The theme is “An Evening in Blue” in honor of the Levee Stone Award recipient: the St. Louis Blues. Attendees will don their favorite blue attire to Stifel Theatre on June 27: blue shirts, blue dresses, or even St. Louis Blues gear (we are the Western Conference champs, after all).
“Show-Me Downtown will commemorate the momentum that’s been built in Downtown St. Louis while also looking forward to what lies ahead,” says Missy Kelley. “This community is making such tremendous strides—it’s only fitting that we celebrate accordingly.”
No St. Louis celebration would be complete without staying true to our musical roots. Accordingly, Downtown STL, Inc. tapped vocal powerhouse and “The Voice” finalist Kennedy Holmes to headline the celebration. The performance will be a homecoming of sorts for Holmes, a St. Louis native, who has been putting on jaw-dropping acts across the country over the past year. The music doesn’t stop there, though. In fitting with the “Evening In Blue” theme, local blues sensation Little Dylan is slated to perform.
Mixed in with the live music performances will be three award announcements, the first of which is the Downtown STLMade Award recognizing a community member who has played an exceptional role in moving Downtown St. Louis forward. The Vincent J. Bommarito and Levee Stone Award recipients will follow along with a special announcement about the future of Downtown St. Louis.
Leading up to the main event, Show-Me Downtown will feature two pre-event programs. The first 100 young professionals (21-35 years old) to register for Show-Me Downtown will have the opportunity to attend the STLMade pre-party in the Budweiser Kiel Club featuring drinks and an opportunity to mingle with hometown heroes including former NHL players and Kennedy Holmes. DJ Nune is Lamar Harris will also spin beats with his signature live music twist throughout the reception.
The second pre-event program is an exclusive VIP reception featuring a panel discussion with St. Louis Blues leadership, a premium open bar, and food. Other activities throughout the night include a live painting session from local artist Lindsay Wanner, airbrush tattoo artists, and a photo booth—all available to every attendee.
Between the sensational music, celebrities, food, and awards, there’s no question that Downtown STL, Inc. is set to accomplish its goal of giving Show-Me Downtown a wow-factor. What’s more, attendees will be inspired by the evolution taking place in the heart of our region.
We’ll see you at Stifel—don’t forget to wear blue!
Date and Time: Thursday, June 27 from 5 – 9 p.m.
Location: Stifel Theatre Grand Lobby – 1400 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
Tickets: Available through Eventbrite
